During an interview on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Friday morning, previewing the upcoming Emporia Community Foundation Matchday next month, Southwick House Executive Director Susan Brinkman stated she expects the agency to be fully operational by this same time next year.
Based on the progression of the ongoing Southwick Capital Campaign, that expectation looks like it could be a reality as just hours before Brinkman’s appearance, members of the Southwick House Board of Directors joined KVOE’s Morning Show to provide a progress update. According to board member Connie Cahoone, the campaign has hit the 65 percent mark of its $3.6 million goal.
She says it is very exciting to be nearing the result, noting the significant hole left in the community following the closure of its predecessor, Plumb Place, years ago.
The campaign will help to fund the creation of Southwick’s new 9,000-square-foot transitional housing facility at 115 East Logan. Included in the facility will be over 40 rooms with space for both women and families in crisis.
Stated plans have put groundbreaking on the project in the spring of next year, and both Brinkman and board members are still eyeing that timeframe, according to board member Nancy Gilpin.
Board member Colleen Mitchell says they are hopeful that once the home is fully up and running, Southwick will have the ability to serve about 80 families a year, helping to address any issues or problems before they become “Chronic.”
In addition to the capital campaign itself, Southwick also has an upcoming benefit concert fundraiser on November 16th at 10 West Dive Bar and Grill featuring Fleeting Moments with special guest Lora McDonald and Tim Shafer. This will lead into the organization’s second year of participation in Match Day, which will allow for digital donations from midnight to 11:59 pm November 17.
Those activities will then lead into the annual Turkey Day Dash benefiting Southwick on Thanksgiving morning.
